I love it when I take a chance on a new (to me) author and then I can't wait to read anything else they've ever written. This is the the case for these three authors.

Katie Bailey writes sweet laugh-out-loud rom coms. I've read two of hers now, and loved them both, but I know she'd got six books out, so I'll be hunting them all down.

Victoria Carless writes magical middle-grade and Gus and the Starlight was truly magical. You're never too old for the simple joys that are middle-grade books, but they are also a wonderful gift for a young reader. I've just discovered her second book has now been released. Can't wait to grab a copy of that one!

I had a fan-girl moment with my third new author discovery, Janet Gover. I'd just read her gorgeous rural romance The Library at Wagtail Ridge not long before I attended the Romance Writer's of Australia annual conference. I was talking to a lady and her husband outside the lift on my floor, ready to go down to the conference, when I found out it was Janet I was speaking too. Talk about gush. She's written many books, with another one just out, so I've got some catching up to do!

In my last newsletter I also promised you my Top 9 reads of 2023. You may have already seen my post on Insta, but I actually ended up with a Top 12.

Taking out the top spot for 2023 was Lisa Ireland's The One and Only Dolly Jamieson. It's one of those books you can't stop reading right from the first page. I know Lisa has another book coming out in 2024 and I can't wait. (The cover looks divine!)

I won't write about each book above, as you can see them for yourself, (and I've already talked about Katie and Janet) but I do recommend them all. These are my faves out of 90 reads!

If you have followed my socials for any length of time you will know I love to attend author talks. It doesn't even matter if I have never read the book they are talking about... or even read any book they have written. If they write in a genre I usually enjoy, I'm there.

What do I get out of them?

As a writer I'm often inspired by the stories of how they do what they do, and many times I've felt like they are a bit of a motivational speech. Certainly inspirational.

As a reader, more than once I have fallen in love with an author from their talk, and know even before I have turned the page I will love their writing. But that's not all. Listening to the talk is like a little behind the scenes tour of what is usually months (if not years) of work, research and frustration. You can find out the inspiration behind the story, little snippets that didn't make it onto the page, and often hear the true heart of the story.

The best part is, many of these author talks are FREE! You'll find them at your local libraries, bookstores and at various festivals and events.

When I first moved to Melbourne I found it harder than I expected to find all the talks around the region. Even worse, some of my favourite authors came and went before I'd seen their posts on social media. (cue crying)

Over the months I've lived here I've eventually discovered the various library networks, bookstores and listings where I can find the type of book talks I like, and I've decided to share the love. There's now a page on my website that is dedicated to all the listings I've found. If you live in Victoria, check it out! I'd love to see you at a book talk - and if you see me (and I'm easy to spot with the pink hair) then come and say hi.

And if you are not in Victoria, but would love to find your own local author talks, the libraries are a great place to start!

Til next time.... happy page turning.

Sharyn xx